Overview

Peace: A Crittenden County Christmas Novel by Shelley Shepard Gray

After a year of secrets and scandal, will this Amish community finally find peace under the bright promise of Christmas?

Beth Byler has a secret. Ever since she met Englischer Chris Ellis while helping out at the Yellow Bird Inn, she can't stop thinking about him. She knows a relationship could never go anywhere—Chris was working undercover in Crittenden County as a DEA agent. That meant he faced danger daily and carried a gun, making him completely unsuitable for an Amish woman like herself. But she knew he felt the attraction, too. It was the reason he left so suddenly, promising never to see her again.

Then, three days before Christmas, while Beth is taking care of the inn, Chris returns. This time, he is bleeding and in need of a place to hide. Against her better judgment, Beth takes him in and tends to his wounds. She also promises to keep his presence a secret. Before long, it becomes clear that nothing between them has changed—a relationship is inevitable. But are they ready to sacrifice everything for this chance at love?

About the Author

Shelley Shepard Gray is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time HOLT Medallion winner. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail.

Editorial Reviews

“[Shelley] Shepard Gray always brings her “A” game into her writing; she weaves both the good and the bad into her novels and does not miss a beat. This one goes on readers’ keeper shelf.”

Romantic Times BOOKclub Top Pick - 4 1/2 stars

“...stirs readers’ hearts with an inspiring story of captivating characters.”

author Sherry Gore

“...a whirlwind of emotions...”

Destination Amish blog

“...full of the warmth of the Christmas season, this charming story is a perfect reminder of what the holiday is all about!”

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

Peace: A Crittenden County Christmas Novel 4.5 out of 5based on
0 ratings.
22 reviews.

songbirdsue

More than 1 year ago

I loved this mystery within an Amish setting. The pacing is great and the characters are well developed with compelling interactions. This is the first I have read from this author and so did not have back stories that were referenced here. I was still able to follow this story however and look forward to reading others that predate this one.
A clean romantic mystery.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

I felt that the book should have started with the back story. It's mentioned at the beginning of the book, but it feels like you've missed something. This book did not have me eagerly turning the pages. I was disappointed I paid $8.00 for it.

GrandaddyA

More than 1 year ago

Christmas should certainly be a time of peace for people everywhere. That seems to be an elusive dream for most of the main characters in the book. I have never been in the same circumstances of any of them nor can I imagine being in their shoes. However, I could still relate to seeking something that feels just beyond my reach. Of course, it was easy to figure out what they needed to do but not so easy to find my own answers. Although fictional, the story was real to life. Oftentimes knowing what others should do is so simple for us while we struggle with our own decisions. I won’t spoil it by telling the outcome of the various dilemmas they each faced but I will say that there are some lessons to be learned and applied in our own lives. Some might say that’s being over-simplistic. I think it is actually very realistic. I recommend you read the book and keep an open mind to the lessons that are woven into the story.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

I agree...so Fearclan....and it will be at wind and water most results....I will arange the camp.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Pads in

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

"Plz send me members at hea res.1." The bluegrey shecat padded out.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Nook works again! Yay! .... goes to goldfish result two

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

A POOR SHE CT I BLEADING HER LIFE OUG AND SHE ISIN THIS VLAN PLEASE HELP HER PLEASE!!!!!

PatGMoore

More than 1 year ago

Beth Byler is caring for her friend's B&amp;B and no quests are expected. When she hears a knock on the door. She had been thinking of Chris and when she answers the door there he stands, bruised, battered and bleeding. This book is part of a series but makes a beautiful story either way. Shelley Shepard Gray's characters quickly become friends. Her faith shines through in her writing and her characters. Revisit Crittenden County and spend Christmas with some of the regulars. Can you imagine trying to keep someone's presence secret and someone is always knocking on the door. Have you had to hide in a cold, dark, damp attic? Someone in the book does. Deborah and Jacob are revisited and Jacob's father. I'm sure these characters would welcome you back and invite you to stay awhile at the B&amp;B. Beth's faith, her love of God all shines in this book. I highly recommend this book to any of you that love a Christmas themed novel, love to read about the Amish, and hope you come to love Shelley Shepard Gray's books as much as I do.
I was not asked by anyone to review this book. I always try to review books that I find that make me have only one complaint - the book just wasn't long enough. I loved this one.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

"Hello. I'm Silverglimmer's friend, and she told me you were under attack. By Bloodclan. Need help?"

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Can someone please go to ashore and afloat and tell them grims lockedout of evey result

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

BANNNANA PHOOOONE <br>
YOU JUST GOT TROLLED

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

The rp is dying out. T.T

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

A black she cat with blue eye pads in. May i join?

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

She leapt into the tree over Flameclaw.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Happy thanksgiving everyone

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Hey im new here and i was wondering if i could join and who wants to be friends

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

~|Name|~<p>Dapplestar<p>~|Age|~<p>21 moons<p>~|Gender|~<p>&female<p>~|Looks|~<p>Russet pelt with white dapples on her lower ack and a long uffy tail. She had tiger stripes on her ack in a dark brown and blue eyes<p>~|Personality|~<p>Wise, iltelligent, kind, accepting,<p>~|History|~<p>Chooses not to tell<p>~|Mate/crush|~<p>No. No.<p>~|Kits|~<p>No<p>~|Themesong|~<p>One jump ahead from Aladdin <p>~|Kin|~<p>Mom- HeartWren Dad- forcemater- Sister- Fernkit<p>~|Likes|~<p>Good cats and clans<p>~|dislikes|~<p>bad cats and clans<p>~|Other|~<p>Ask

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Whispers, "Deathkit! Deathkit!"

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Jumps on flameclaw i demand to know why you are cheating on doveclaw, rosepelt and mayberry